Writing for Fun
December 2015
Heaven Sent - Jeanette Rothwell
Jones, the Butler, trod softly over the creaky floorboards with the intention of placing the bottle of Port within reach of his master, but his Lordship waved him away and indicated that he wished him to leave the room. Jones closed the big oak door with a sigh of relief and hurried down the icy corridor to the warmth of the kitchen where he could discuss at length with the rest of the meagre staff why his Lordship was in such a bad mood.
Meanwhile, the occupants of the dining room began to get up to go their separate ways but were arrested by Lord Charles Hawkins stating, 'Sit down, I have something to tell you.' Six pairs of eyes turned to him, looking anxious. On Lord Hawkins' right sat Mrs Maud Hawkins, his daughter in law widowed by his middle son who had died at sea. She had been an attractive lady years ago but tended to live on her nerves giving her a rather careworn appearance. Next to her were her two grown up children, Angela, aged 23 pretty with a good figure and Robert, a rather gangling youth, aged 19.
On his Lordship's left sat Henry Hawkins, his youngest son, pompous and full of his own importance. Next to him sat Henry's rather upright severe looking wife, Hilary, both visiting on their way to a Business Conference. The last member of the family was a frail looking spinster aunt, nobody was quite sure what relation she was but she had always lived at the Hall.
Angela and Robert, being Lord Hawkins' grandchildren were a lively but somewhat restricted sister and brother as they were forced to live at Hawkins Hall due to their mother's straightened circumstances and the fact that the Hall was miles from anywhere, deep in the Devon countryside.
'We're going to receive a visitor tomorrow,' announced Lord Hawkins, 'and, Maud, I would like you to make the Blue room habitable for our visitor.'
'But Charles that room hasn't been used since your eldest son, Graham, died. It's in a terrible state.'
'It'll be good enough for his son.' This announcement caused everyone to sit up startled and suddenly very interested. 'I'm sending for my heir!' he continued.
Robert blurted out, 'Sir, surely Uncle Henry is your heir.'
'No, he isn't and he knows it,' replied the Lord. By way of explanation he went on, 'When Graham died, 28 years ago, he had married, against my wishes, a common woman who gave birth to a son. She returned up North to her family, with the child. My Lawyers inform me that he has been in the army, reaching the position of Major, but now he has left the service and I have decided I want him here at the Hall to learn our ways and teach him how he should go on when he inherits. His name is also Graham.
The family took this news with mixed feelings. The Lord turned to Angela. 'I want you to tell him all about our history, take him round the house and show him his ancestors. Be nice to him, and teach him some manners, if he needs it. I don't suppose he knows how to conduct himself in a household like ours.'
Angela looked stormy and mutinous, knowing full well that his Lordship was also trying a bit of matchmaking. Her brother chuckled at her dilemma. That was all the Lord was prepared to tell them and they dispersed to other parts of the draughty, dark and inhospitable house to discuss this revelation and what it might mean to each of them.
By the following evening, Maud had done her best with the aid of the staff to make the Blue room as comfortable as possible, but given that his Lordship had, as usual, not ventured to offer any monetary assistance, this was not an easy task.
'Poor boy,' thought Maud, 'Coming to this run down old house and probably thinks he is inheriting a fortune.'
By dinner time that evening, Graham Hawkins had not put in an appearance. Lord Hawkins ruled that dinner was not to be delayed and they all sat down to their rather lukewarm soup. Suddenly, Jones opened the Dining Room door and announced, 'Mr Graham Hawkins!'
No one spoke or moved for a moment. The man who stood in the doorway was all of six foot four, well built, fair haired, tanned with an open rather bland face which gave him an amiable look.
'At last!' exclaimed Lord Hawkins. 'You're extremely late!'
'I'm sorry, my taxi found it difficult to find the entrance to the driveway,' Graham apologised.
'Well it is rather overgrown,' said his grandfather, grudgingly.
''Appen you're reet,' drawled Graham.
They all exchanged astonished glances at his obviously broad accent.
'Well, come and sit down. Jones, lay an extra place. We'll go straight on to the main course.'
Maud felt sorry for the young man and smiled encouragingly at him. He nodded to the various members of the family as they were introduced to him and then tackled his dinner with enthusiasm.
The following day he was summoned to his Grandfather's study. His Lordship explained that he wanted him to learn about the estate and the Hall and gave him permission to visit the Estate Manager's office and to explore the Hall with his cousin, Angela. He also informed him that he would make him a small allowance while he was staying there.
'I'm much obliged to you, sir, but I don 't want that, I've brass of my own, my other Grandfather left me some.'
'I don't want to hear about your life up North, you will live a different style down here. I don't suppose your army pay could have amounted to much but I can still send you packing if I find you intolerable,' he threatened, then asked, 'You're not married are you?'
'Nay, sir, I've not had time to form any relationships.'
Angela followed his Lordship's instructions and showed the heir the rest of the house, rather coolly. Some of the staircases looked decidedly unsafe for Graham's large frame and all the paintings of his ancestors were grimy and in need of attention. In one room Angela drew back the curtains which produced a cloud of dust setting off a fit of sneezing by both of them which resulted in a lot of laughter and the atmosphere between them relaxed into some friendly banter while they continued the tour of the very run down Hall.
The heir's visit to the Estate Manager's office left him in a thoughtful mood as he trudged up the overgrown driveway. He shook his head at the obvious neglect all around him and the fact that Lord Hawkins spent very little money on the comfort of his staff and family. However, he had obviously spent a good deal of money on some very fine horses which he and his grandson rode every morning.
At the end of six weeks, Graham had learned a great deal about the Hall and the Estate, had seen the obvious despair and indifference of the Estate Manager, done his best to become more acquainted with his family, particularly Angela, and learned how to avoid confrontations with his Lordship. During that time, his Uncle Henry and Aunt Hilary had returned from their Conference and were calling in on their way back to London.
Graham was summoned to his Grandfather's study and when he entered it was obvious that a storm was brewing.
His Lordship announced, 'Henry has been telling me that he has been making enquiries about you and I gather that you were educated at Harrow and that your Grandfather was a very successful textile manufacturer. Is that true?
'Yes sir,' said his heir meekly.
'Does that mean that the so called 'brass' you said you had is quite considerable?'
'Yes it does and I have been meaning to talk to you about that.' Graham advanced into the room and sat in the chair opposite Lord Hawkins desk. 'I'd like to use a lot of my money to put this place in order. Not just the house, but also the Estate, and perhaps make it pay with some investment in the farm and land.'
His Lordship looked like a crumpled man, 'I think you will find the family will think you are heaven sent. Do your worst, I am too old to resist you.'
'With your permission, sir, I would like to liaise with the Estate Manager, and also on a personal note, would you mind if I tried to win Angela round to marrying me?'
'As far as the Estate is concerned, do what you want. As far as Angela is concerned, she's a feisty girl and I think you'll have your hands full there, but you are welcome to try.'
He left the study and pulled out his mobile phone. He dialled the number and spoke to his chauffeur instructing him to pack his bags and bring down the Mercedes and to arrange for the Land Rover to be hooked up to the horse box so that his favourite horses could be transported.
As he strode along the corridor, Robert appeared. 'Hey, cousin, is it true that you're loaded?' he asked.
Graham laughed. 'Yes I suppose you could say that.'
'Gosh, you are heaven sent. I say, could you lend me £500, I'm just off to the races.'
'No I couldn't. I may be your cousin, but I won't be your banker,' he laughed.
'Oh, well,' said Robert, 'It was worth a try,' and he went merrily on his way.
On reaching the Blue room he spotted Maud Hawkins fussing around the room with the Housekeeper. He then uttered the immortal word 'Refurbishment' and promised her a very generous budget. He smiled at the delight on her face as she positively skipped down the corridor full of plans.
Graham Hawkins squared his shoulders, and set off in pursuit of Angela. He had a bit of courting to do.